Aminopropionic-acids as ectoparasiticides

Abstract

Certain aminopropionic acids have been found to exhibit ectoparacitisidal activity.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of controlling ectoparasites or their ova which comprises topically applying to a human or animal in need of such control, an effective toxic amount of at least one N-fatty-β-aminopropionic acid for a time sufficient to kill at least 50% of the lice or ova thereon, wherein said fatty substituent is an alkyl moiety containing 8 to 24 carbon atoms. 
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein said alkyl moiety contains 12 to 20 carbon atoms. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1 wherein said acid is N-Coco-β-aminopropionic acid. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1 wherein said acid is N-Lauryl-myristyl-β-aminopropionic acid. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1 wherein said acid is employed in combination with an inert pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, said combination having a pH of less than 7. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 6 wherein said carrier is aqueous and said pH is about 3 to 6.8. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 6 wherein said pH is about 4.